The Concept and Importance of Virtues: A Path to Happiness and Fulfillment, Essays (high school) of English

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What are Virtues?

Virtue, by definition, is the moral excellence of a person. Morally excellent people have a character made-up of virtues valued as good. They are honest, respectful, courageous, forgiving, and kind, for example. They do the right thing, and don’t bend to impulses, urges or desires, but act according to values and principles. Some might say good qualities are innate, but we’re not perfect. Virtues need to be cultivated to become more prevalent in life. With the habit of being virtuous, we take the helm of our own life, redirecting its course towards greater happiness and fulfillment. 2

Living a Virtuous Life

St. Paul in his Letter to the Philippians captured the idea of virtue and the living of a virtuous life: "My brothers, your thoughts should be wholly directed to all that is true, all that deserves respect, all that is honest, pure, admirable, decent, virtuous or worthy of praise" (4:8). With this in mind, the classic definition of virtue is a habit or firm disposition which inclines a person to do good and avoid evil. Characterized by stability, a virtuous person not only strives to be a good person, but also seeks what is good and chooses to act in a good way.(St.Paul ) 4

St. Paul

Importance of Virtue in the Christian life Human virtues form the soul with the habits of mind and will that support moral behavior, control passions, and avoid sin. Virtues guide our conduct according to the dictates of faith and reason, leading us toward freedom based on self-control and toward joy in living a good moral life. Compassion, responsibility, a sense of duty, self-discipline and restraint, honesty, loyalty, friendship, courage, and persistence are examples of desirable virtues for sustaining a moral life. Historically, we group the human virtues around what are called the Cardinal Virtues 5

The Place of Virtue in a Meaningful Life Call both one’s efforts at being a good person and the ways of thinking, feeling, and responding to circumstances that develop while one works to be a good person ‘virtue.’ Let a ‘meaningful’ life be a life imbued with a sense of purpose or significance—a life that is full, engaging, and engaged, where the fullness comes of something more than mere subjective interest and enthusiasm. It can seem as though virtue and meaning have very little to do with each other. Whatever sort of struggle might be involved in working to be a good human being can seem like something personal—an individual quest to have a beautiful character or a shining soul.(Candace V. 2017)^8

Candace Vogler

10 References: Candace Vogler. (2017): In "Virtue, Happiness, & the Meaning of Life. the place of virtue in a meaningful life, at Valparaiso University September 15.https://www. google.com/amp/s/thevirtueblog.com/2017/11/20/the-place-of- virtue-in- a-meaningful-life/amp/ Craig Van Slyke. (2015):,How to be Happy: The Virtuous Life. Dean of the W.A. Franke College of Business at Northern Arizona University. https://www. flagstaffbusinessnews.com/how-to-be-happy-the-virtuous-life/ Gray, Tim.(2000). The Virtuous Life Is Worth Living: Real Men Choose Virtue. Lay Witness. Catholic Education Resource Center. https://www.catholiceducation.org/ en/culture/catholic-contributions/the-virtuous-life-is-worth- living-real- men-choose-virtue.html Living a Virtues Life. (2016, Dec 14). Retrieved from http://studymoose.com/living-a- virtues-life-essay. Saunders, Rev. William. (2003): "Living a Virtuous Life." Arlington Catholic Herald.